Okay, so, I just learned that one can not apply for both at UNC. And looking at the descriptions of both, they are equally rewarding. Nothing less than the other. Since I'm also applying to Duke, should I do Morehead for UNC and Robertson for Duke then? If i dont end up applying to Duke, which one should I do for UNC?
Thnx in advance for ur responses.
Unless there is a recent change in the nominating process for the Morehead, that I am unaware of, if you are not an in state student, you can't apply for the Morehead. For an OOS student you have to attend a Morehead nominating school and receive their nomination. In state students can self nominate as well as be nominated by their schools.
My S graduated from UNC in May and was a Morehead and his best friend and house mate was a Robertson so I am fairly familiar with both programs.
There are some substantive differences between the two. The Morehead is full tuition, room, board, books, provides your laptop allowance and a stipend for living expenses each semester. The Robertson pays full tuition to UNC but partial tuition to Duke. Additionally the Morehead funds four summer experiential learning experiences that are essentially individually crafted and done on individual basis. The Robertson has three summer experiences and are more group travel/experiences than individual and are essentially to the same places whereas a Morehead Scholar can virtually do anything/go anywhere that they can dream up.
You don't have to be an athlete to win the Morehead; that is a real misunderstanding about the program. "Athletic Vigor" which is one of the four cornerstone attributes that the Morehead seeks in its applicants is just another way of saying that they seek well rounded individuals who were not only good students but also student leaders with an eclectic mix of passions and interests. There are athletes in the mix but not all are athletes. My S rowed crew in HS and not at UNC and only played a few intramural sports (mainly coed activities) in college just for fun.
Read through the websites for both programs for more details. Good luck.
I think Robertson Scholars changed their policy a bit, so, now it's full cost of attendance at both schools! I'm an instate by the way.
Both sounds so similar except the 'athletic requirement' at morehead..which i think isn't supposed to four year sports necessarily as u just mentioned.
i was wondering, is there like a central robertson scholar committee or if duke and unc got their own..but i guess i'm asking too mcuh question abt this..and just go w/ the gut!
thanks so much for post!
I did find out today from a friend who is the mother of a current Robertson that they have indeed changed to full tuition at Duke this year. There have also been a few changes/upgrades to the summer programs as well.
As I said in the other post, please check both websites for exact details of the scholarships. Both are incredible and life changing opportunities.
i am a freshmann robertson at unc and i love it! they are really revamping the program this year so go check out the website to see all the changes they have made. Also, if you have any questions about the Robertson I would be happy to answer them. Robertson's at unc dont just get tuition, we get tuition, room and board, a laptop, and semesterly stipend just like the morehead.
I applied for the morehead at unc and robertson at duke last year. I got finalist for morehead, but nothing from robertson (i heard that duke robertson didn't take any instate people, but idk if thats true or not).
Personally, I was more attracted to the Morehead-Cain over the Robertson, because it would have given me more freedom for my summers. But that's just me.
Updated version of what I've posted in previous threads:
Both the Robertson and the Morehead are great programs that share many similar benefits, and you certainly couldn’t go wrong with either.
But there are a few seemingly small yet important differences to consider: the Robertson tends to put more emphasis on collective programming and offers unique access to Duke; the Morehead has an exceptionally strong alumni network. The selection process and criteria for the programs might also dictate which makes the most sense for any one individual.
I've attempted to outline these and other differences below, but keep in mind that these programs are more similar than they are different.
Selection: Both are exceptionally competitive merit scholarship programs. You must attend and be nominated by a Morehead nominating high school, or be a North Carolina resident, to apply for the Morehead. Anyone can fill out the supplemental materials form for the Robertson. For both programs, UNC Admissions also "pulls" a handful of applicants from the general admissions pool for consideration. The Morehead requires evidence of “physical vigor,” although that requirement has been broadly interpreted in recent years. Although both programs seek it, demonstrated commitment to service and a passion to “change the world” are particularly important for the Robertson.
Financial Benefits: Extremely similar. Both Moreheads and UNC Robertsons receive funding that covers not just tuition but room and board, a living stipend, and summer opportunities. [Note: Duke Robertsons receive funding for tuition, room and board (as of fall 2008), and summers, but do not receive a living stipend.]
Summers: Both programs provide funding and support for several summers of exploration and engagement, but the Morehead-Cain places more emphasis on independence and the Robertson more on community. Moreheads have wide choice in a choosing an outdoor leadership retreat prior to freshman year that they go on independently with mostly non-Moreheads, while Robertsons all go on one NOLS retreat together. Similarly, the summer before sophomore year Robertsons choose to do an internship of their choice in one of four cities where they spend the summer living and learning with other Robertsons, while Moreheads live independently and have wide-open placement options. The final two summers in both programs are fairly open-ended, and both programs now offer additional funding for personal development and exploration during the school year to travel to academic conferences, etc.
Advising/Mentoring: Both programs offer excellent advising and mentoring services that supplement those offered by UNC and the UNC Honors Program. Morehead-Cains have a few major group traditions (such as “check day,” when they receive their checks), but by and large they are encouraged to spread out and make their mark on the campus as a whole as everyday students. Robertsons, on the other hand, are encouraged to spend time together and have much more collective programming (dinners, talks, and special classes in their freshman and senior years).
Alumni: This is a distinguishing feature of the Morehead. The age of the Morehead program means that it has a large and exceptionally successful alumni base that will often go to great lengths to help current Moreheads. The strength and importance of this benefit should not be underestimated. (The Robertson program graduated its first class of scholars in 2005, and as such does not have such a vibrant network.)
Unique Access/Collaboration: This is a distinguishing feature of the Robertson. Robertsons have unparalleled access to both UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke. They enroll in classes, join clubs, and otherwise engage fully in both the academic and social life of both universities, allowing them to benefit from the distinctive strengths of each. (They also spend a semester living at their sister campus during their sophomore year.)
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A few notes based on previous posts on this thread
- Bali: the Robertson does take in-state people at both Duke and UNC. At UNC, I believe the Morehead-Cain is required to take a certain number of in-state scholars and the Robertson is not, so the Robertson ends up with fewer in-state scholars. At Duke, the BN Duke and Trinity Scholars Programs are designed for students from North and South Carolina, so most high-achieving students are pushed towards those programs.
- The Robertson program has recently opened up its summer program options so that there is a lot more flexibility, as some posters have noted.
- Summary: Both are amazing programs. You really can't go wrong with either. If you happen to be in-state or a varsity athlete, then those probably help you most with the Morehead. If you love the idea of having full access to Duke, go with the Robertson. Other than that, go with your gut.
I have some questions about these...
If you're OOS, and don't go to a nominating HS, the only way to get the Morehead is to apply to UNC EA, and they will consider you for the Morehead and possibly invite you to apply.
The Morehead appeals to me more, but I don't know if it's extremely unlikely to get nominated in this way as an OOS student. Is it possible to apply for the Robertson, and if UNC invites me to apply for the Morehead, withdraw my Robertson app? Or if I apply for the Robertson, will UNC not even consider inviting me to apply for the Morehead?
Also, I have more athletic involvement than community service (although I have significant involvement in both). Would this make me more competitive for the Morehead than the Robertson, or is it basically impossible to be a Morehead if you're OOS and don't go to a nominating HS?
When my son was nominated for the Morehead, there were at least six or seven of the approximately 120 finalists that came through the admissions process. His class was one of the smaller classes with 43 winners but at least 4 or five of those who came through admissions actually won the award.
If you carefully read the Morehead-Cain website you will get a pretty good idea of what they are looking for in their candidates. In a nutshell, they want selfless, well rounded leaders. Unlike the Robertson where winners have their names, pictures and bios posted on the Robertson website throughout their four years at UNC or Duke, the only time you'll see the identities of the Moreheads is when the awards are announced. Before anyone jumps on my statements let me clarify that I am NOT trying to say that Robertsons are looking for attention simply that their identities are well know due to the website.
My son had many friends and acquaintances who didn't know he was a Morehead for a very long time, some even as late as junior year. They just don't talk about it or wear it on their sleeves. They only have a few organized activities where they all come together like the aforementioned "check day" and the annual Morehead dinner in the fall so it's not the kind of thing that anyone will know about unless you tell them. My son always said that they just don't make a big deal of it. That is one of the things they look for in candidates, those not seeking personal gain or attention.
Do your best in your essays to illustrate the things that are "Morehead like" and the then hope for the best. One word of caution though, the interview process is extraordinarily in depth especially at the Finalist stage so don't portray yourself as something you're not in order to make yourself look like a better candidate because they will sniff it out in the interviews. It happens every year.
The most important thing I can tell you is to be yourself. You've made it this far on your application and recommendations so just make sure that who you said you are on paper is consistent with who you really are.
